Jack strut stabilizer

ABSTRACT

A telescoping jack strut stabilizing system for use on pick up truck campers structurally ties camper leveling jacks to camper body for increased stability is comprised of a small diameter tube and a large diameter tube telescopingly engaged to provide for adjustable length. Small diameter tube arranged for pivotal mounting to camper jack strut, and large diameter tube arranged for quick disconnect mounting to camper body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to pick up truck campers and more particular the jacking systems that level and support the camping unit when it is off loaded or removed from the bed of the pick up truck or host vehicle.

Since the early 1950s camping has been an ever growing sport among families throughout the United States and the world. As a vacation form and as an industry, it has experienced vast growth spawning many variations and configurations of camping vehicles and requiring an ever-increasing need for more and more campgrounds.

There are many types of family style camping units on the market today ranging from simple tents to trailer type fold out units, pick up truck campers and the more sophisticated 5^(th) wheel type trailers that are towed behind pick up trucks in very much the same manner as the large cross country semi tractor trailer rigs. Motor homes are another form of camper that is becoming more prevalent on America's roads and campgrounds. Although there are many styles and sizes of camping vehicles as outlined above they all have a similar inherent problem. While being driven or towed on the roads and highways, they require some sort of suspension system to insure a smooth ride and proper handling, but while parked in the campsite this same suspension allows the camper to wobble and sway as the inhabitants move about inside. It is therefore, usually desirable to lock out the suspension system by blocking up or placing jack stands under the frame minimizing this unwanted motion while the camping units are parked. In the case of pick up truck campers, the springs of the host vehicle itself provides the suspension needed for highway driving. However, when the camper is positioned on the campsite the rocking or movement of the truck and camper due to the inhabitants moving around inside is usually considered quite annoying.

A number of attempts have been developed and employed to provide solutions to this problem of unwanted motion. Wilson's “Fifth Wheel Stabilizer” U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,953 is a good example. Although this patent clearly addresses the specific problem of swing and sway or wobble in camper units as we have outlined, the invention is basically restricted to Fifth wheel style campers or units with a similar geometric configuration. DeJager's U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,851 has also recognized the need to stabilize mobile structures however the invention outlined is of a substantially more permanent nature and does not really lend itself to a camper application or address the problems as outlined here-in. A 1965 Patent No. 3,186,570 outlines N. E. Brunnels “Camping body loading and unloading device”. Although this patent certainly addresses the “swing and Sway” problem, it involves a jack support system substantially more complex than the easily attached stabilizer unit outlined in the present invention.

Most modern camping units are fitted or offer as an option, integral leveling jack stands on each of the four corners of the unit designed to not only level the camper but transfer the weight of the vehicle from the suspension system to the rigid jacks for the purpose of eliminating the rocking motion caused by the inhabitants inside. This system works well on many of the previously mentioned camper units such as trailer type campers, 5^(th) wheel units and the self propelled motor home or bus type campers, because they are normally designed with a fairly low center of gravity where the under carriage of the units are close to the ground allowing for relatively short leveling or jack supports or in some cases, simple blocking up with wood blocks.

Pick up truck campers however are somewhat unique in that in order to achieve the same stability as well as aid in the loading and off-loading of the camper unit from the pick up truck, they require a more specialized system. In reference to the physical characteristics of pick up truck campers, they are most commonly designed with an overhang in the back for entry to the camper. Aside from the narrow floor area, which is the portion of the camper unit that sets down into the pick up truck bed, the overhang area is the only part of the unit that is situated close to the ground with a low center of gravity. Shelves which extend above and out over the pick up truck bed sides used for gear stowage, and the structure which extends out forward and above the truck cab providing the sleeping area account for the majority of the overall volume of the unit which causes the camper to have the previously mentioned high center of gravity which is not conducive to good stability. While the camper remains in place on the host vehicle, with the vehicle continuing to support the primary weight of the camper unit, the jack stands mounted to each of the campers four corners can simply be lowered to the ground surface to a point where they relieve some of the load from the host vehicle virtually eliminating the rocking and swaying of the camper unit while in use. When the camper is off loaded from the bed of the pick up truck, which is commonly the case in camping situations and the entire load of the camper is supported by the jack stands, the jacking and leveling apparatus designed for these units is required to be considerably more substantial than the supports used on any of the other style camper previously mentioned. This is primarily due to the extended length of the support jacks required for off loading a pick up truck style camper, Pick up truck camper jacks are often battery powered, larger in diameter, and required to be longer especially on the forward end where they are mounted on the previously mentioned shelf which can be from 36″ to 48″ off the ground. The required extended length of these forward jack stands also contributes to their tendency to flex more at their attachment point to the camper body resulting in fatigue. It is therefore required that they be attached to the camper corner structure in a permanent or much more secure manner and that provisions be implemented to reduce this flexing as much as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, an adjustable length, quick disconnect jack strut stabilizing unit is provided for the purpose of stiffening an extended pick up truck camper jack support thus virtually eliminating movement between the jack strut and the body of a pick up truck camper unit. The proposed invention is comprised of two lengths of square steel tubing arranged one inside the other forming a telescoping member with variable length capability and a means for locking the two telescoping members to a specified length. A clamping ring attached to one end of the telescoping member is arranged for pivotally mating one end of the jack strut stabilizer unit to the lower part of a pick up truck camper jack strut. When not in use, the stabilizer unit is pivoted up and stowed along side and secured to the jack stand. The opposite end of the jack strut stabilizing unit is provided for with a means for quick and simple attachment to an anchor plate, which is permanently placed on the camper body at a predetermined location. Thus when the stabilizing unit is swung away from it's stowed position, it's opposite end connected to the anchor plate on the camper body and the telescoping tube sections locked to length, the jack strut stabilizing unit creates a cross bracing geometry between the camper body and the camper's jack strut, substantially reducing or eliminating the swaying motion and wobble created by the normal flexing of the extended jack struts when the camper unit off loaded from the pick up truck bed and occupied.

In the preferred embodiment, the stabilizing units of the present invention are mounted to the two forward camper jack struts utilizing a clamping ring. Stabilizing units could also be mounted to the rear two camper jack stands if their extended length warranted. The stabilizer unit is pivotally attached to the clamping ring in a manner that allows it to be folded to an upright position parallel and directly adjacent to the camper's jack strut for stowage or when not in use. Provision is made for containment of the jack strut in the stowed position with a length of webbing strap fitted with a Velcro material which is fixed to the stabilizer unit and can be secured around a the camper's jack strut. In the process of off loading the camper from the truck it is necessary to extend each of the two forward and two back jack struts mounted to the camper; substantially transferring the load from the pick up truck to the four jack struts. At this point, the truck can be driven out from beneath the camper leaving it supported on the jack struts. After raising or lowering individual struts to achieve the desired height of the camper off the ground and level the camper unit, The Velcro retaining straps on the stabilizer braces are removed from the jack struts, the units are pivoted downwards, the telescoping lock devices on the stabilizer units are loosened and the units are telescoped out to the point where they can be mated to the previously mounted anchor plate on the camper body. The locking devices are then tightened fixing the length of the stabilizing units and forming the structural cross tie between the jack struts and the camper body minimizing movement and flexing of the camper jack struts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above summary and description as well as other objects features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherin

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of stabilizer unit according to the present invention

FIG 1 a shows locking knob details

FIG. 2 shows detailed components of the Web strap

FIG. 2 a shows a top view detail of web strap, camper jack and stabilizer unit in stowed position

FIG. 3 shows an elevation view of the round clamp and inside tube connection

FIG. 4 shows a front and side view of the anchor plate and fasteners

FIG. 5 shows a front view of stabilizer unit mounted to camper

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 stabilizer unit 10 according to the present invention comprises a cross tying brace provided for the purpose of limiting the flexing between a pick up truck camper and it's support jacks by structurally tying or mechanically linking the camper jack struts to the main camper body by triangulating the load forces. Stabilizer unit 10 being comprised of an outside tube 11, inside tube 35, locking device 21, anchor plate 48, round clamp 44 and web strap 27.

Outside tube 11 of stabilizer 10 to be fabricated from 1″ square steel tubing approximately 18″ in length. Outside tube 11 to have a squared end 12, and a second exposed end herein referred to as angled end 13, a face 14, a back 15 and two parallel sides 16. Relief angle 17 is provided on angled end 13 for the purpose of establishing clearance for easy installation and removal of clip 58 from pin 51 when hole 18 on angle end 13 in back 15 of outside tube 11 is placed over pin 51 mating outside tube 11 to anchoring device herein referred to as anchor plate 48 on camper 1. Angle 17 on angled end 13 of outside tube 11 to be approximately 60 degrees formed by removing material from parallel sides 16 of angled end 13. Tab 19 is welded to face 14 of outside tube 11 for the purpose of adding thickness and increase the effective threading depth of threaded hole 20 in outside tube 11. Tab 19 and wall section of outside tube 11 to be thru drilled and threaded to accommodate threaded bolt portion 22 of locking device 21. Tab 19 to be fabricated of ⅛^(th)″ thick mild steel approximately ⅝ inches wide and 1″ long. Tab 19 to be positioned approximately 1″ from squared end 12 of outside tube 11 and substantially welded to face 14 of outside tube 11. Locking device 21 is provided for locking Outside tube 11 to inside tube 35 thus fixing the desired length of stabilizer unit 10 subsequent to mating hole 18 of outside tube 11 to pin 51 on anchor plate 48. Locking device 21 is comprised of threaded bolt portion 22 approximately 1″ long, and a knob 23 approximately 1.125″ in diameter. Locking length of stabilizer unit 10 is accomplished by turning knob 23 and threaded bolt portion 22 of locking device 21 in a clockwise direction which results in substantial contact between end of threaded bolt portion 22 of locking device 21 and side surface 40 of inside tube 35 substantially limiting sliding movement between outside tube 11 and inside tube 35. Referring now to FIG. 1 a. Retaining cable 24, approximately 3″ long is provided to keep from loosing locking knob 23. Retaining cable 24 to be arranged with a small loop at either end here in referred to as loop (a) and loop (b). Loop (a) to be formed at one end of retaining cable 24 utilizing a standard nicropress type sleeve. Loop (a) to be of a diameter to allow retaining cable 24 to be pivotally connected to center of knob 23 on locking devise 21. Pivotal connection to be provided thru use of spacer (c) which maintains clearance for loop (a) between flat head screw type fastener (d) and the surface of knob 23 when fastener (d) passes thru spacer (c) and is threaded into threaded hole (e) in center of knob 23. Loop (b) to be formed at the opposite end of retaining cable 24 utilizing a standard nicropress type sleeve. Loop (b) to be smaller in diameter and not requiring pivotal mounting is secured to plate 19 approximately at point 25 utilizing small screw 26. Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 2 a Strap 27 is provided for the purpose of securing stabilizer unit 10 to camper jack stand 5 when stabilizer 10 is not being used as shown in dotted lines (35 s) in (FIG. 5). Web strap 27 is comprised of a length of web strapping approximately 15″ long and 1″ wide having an inside surface 28, an outside surface 29, and a strap slide 30 substantially fixed to one end. Web strap 27 outside surface 29 to be provided for with two mating components of Velcro strips 31 substantially fastened to the end opposite strap slide 30 on outside surface 29 of web strap 27. (The exact spacing of Velcro strips 31 will be determined be the diameter of camper jack 5.) Referencing now FIG. 2 a showing Velcro strips 31 positioned on outside surface 29 of web strap 27 in a manner allowing for end of strap 27 to be passed around camper jack 5 when stabilizer unit 10 is in the stowed 35 s position (see FIG. 5), passed through strap slide 30 then folded back to position where in first Velcro strip 31 component can be pressed on to second Velcro strip 31 component, securing stabilizer unit 10 in a position adjacent and parallel to camper jack 5. Referring again to FIG. 2. Web strap 27 to be provided for with two mounting holes 32 through web strap 27. Holes 32 to be located approximately 2½″ from strap slide 30 end of web strap 27 and provide for substantial mounting of web strap 27 to outside tube 11. Web strap 27 to be secured with rivets 34 and washers 33 to side 16 of outside tube 11. Web strap 27 to be attached to outside tube 11 where by holes 32 of web strap 27 intersect with longitudinal dimension of outside tube 11 at right angles and at a point on outside tube 11 approximately 2.5″ from angle end 13 of outside tube 11 measured from back 15 surface of outside tube 11.

Referring again to FIG. 1. Inside tube 35 provides geometry allowing for sliding fit between inside tube 35 and outside tube 11 providing stabilizer unit 10 with telescoping variable length capability. Inside tube 35 comprised of ¾″ square steel tubing approximately 18″ long.

Inside tube 35 to be provided for with one squared end 36 and a first exposed end herein referred to as radius end 37, a front surface 38, a back surface 39 and two identical side surfaces 40. Radius at end 37 of inside tube 35 to measure approximately {fraction (3/8)}″ provides clearance between end 37 of inside tube 35 and camper jack 5 when inside tube 35 is attached to the mounting bracket herein referred to as round clamp 44. Clearance allows stabilizer unit 10 to be rotated from stowed 35 s position to in use position 35 without interference between end 37 and outside diameter of camper jack 5 (see FIG. 5). Side surfaces 40 of inside tube 35 to be provided for with two approximately {fraction (3/8)}″ diameter holes 41 at radius end 37. Holes 41 provided to accommodate swivel bolt 42 when round clamp 44 is attached to radius end 37 of inside tube 35. Moderate torque application of lock nut 43 to swivel bolt 42 insures rotational capability of round clamp 44 when attached to radius end 37 of inside tube 35.

Continuing reference to FIG. 1 Round clamp 44 is provided for pivotal attachment of inside tube 35 of stabilizer unit 10 to camper jack 5 on camper 1. Round clamp 44 to be generally circular in shape, fabricated of {fraction (1/8)}^(th)″ thick mild steel flat stock approximately 1″ wide. Round clamp 44 to be formed into a partial ring with an inside diameter of approximately 2¼.″ Tabs 45 extending out approximately 1″ from generally circular shape of round clamp 44 provide for pivotal mating of inside tube 35 to round clamp 44. Tabs 45 of round clamp 44 to be provided for with inside clearance 47 of approximately {fraction (13/16)}″ (see FIG. 2 a) providing a straddle fit wherein inside surface of tabs 45 are fitted over side surfaces 40 of inside tube 35 at radius end 37. Pivotal attachment of round clamp 44 to inside tube 35 is provided when holes 41 in side surfaces 40 of inside tube 35 are aligned with holes 46 in tabs 45 of round clamp 44 and wherein swivel bolt 42, having a threaded length of approximately 1½″ is placed substantially through aligned holes 41 and 46 and secured with locking nut 43. Locking nut 43 to be threaded onto protruding end of swivel bolt 42 and tightened to a point where round clamp 44 can be pivoted freely on radius end 37 of inside tube 35.

Reference FIG. 5 Which shows anchor plate 48 mounted at a predetermined location on camper 2 providing easy and fast attachment and removal of stabilizing unit 10 to camper 2 body

Reference FIG. 4 Which shows details of anchor plate 48 wherein anchor plate 48 is comprised of fabricated ¼″ thick metal plate approximately 1″ wide and 2½″ long having a back surface 49, front surface 50, a pin 51 and four countersunk mounting holes 59. Mounting holes 59 sized and configured to accommodate approximately {fraction (1/4)}″ countersink style screws 60 for attachment of anchor plate 48 to camper 2. Pin 51 protrudes from approximate center of front surface 50 of anchor plate 48 and is provided to mate with hole 18 of outside tube 11 (see FIG. 1). Pin 51 is approximately {fraction (3/4)}″ long and machined to provide a minor diameter 52 of approximately 0.375″ which extends outwardly approximately ½″ from the center of front surface 50 of anchor plate 48, a major diameter 53 of approximately 0.625″ and a shoulder 54. Major diameter 53 to extend over approximately {fraction (1/8)}″ of pin 51 length and is provided for the purpose of allowing pin 51 to be loosely fitted through counter bored hole 55 in plate 48 providing clearance allowing for moderate rotational movement of pin 51 without pin 51 pulling through counter bored hole 55 under load. A small thru drilled hole 56 approximately {fraction (1/8)}^(th)″ in diameter is provided and positioned approximately {fraction (1/8)}th″ from end 57 of pin 51. Hole 56 provided to allow insertion of safety clip 58 insuring secure mating of stabilizer unit 10 to anchor plate 48 when hole 18 of outside tube 11 is placed over pin 51 on anchor plate 48 and clip 58 is placed through hole 56.

Referring again to FIG. 5 to explain functional operation of stabilizer unit 10 where in prior to offloading camper 1 from pick up truck bed or host vehicle, camper jacks 5 are lowered to the point where they support total weight of camper 1 allowing host vehicle to be driven out from under camper 1. Camper jacks 5 are then adjusted as required to lower and level camper 1 where-in stabilizer unit 10 which has been mounted on camper jack 5 using pivotal round clamp 44 is swung away from it's stowed position 35 s adjacent to camper jack 5 by releasing Velcro 31 on web strap 27 allowing web strap 27 to be un threaded from strap slide 30. Locking knob 21 is then turned counter clockwise releasing pressure from end of threaded portion 22 against side 40 of inside tube 35 allowing inside tube 35 to telescopingly slide freely inside outside tube 11 allowing for length adjustment of stabilizer unit 10 necessary for mating hole 18 in outside tube 11 to pin 51 on anchor plate 48 wherein hole 18 in back 15 of angle end 13 on outside tube 11 is placed over pin 51 of anchor plate 48 on camper face 2. Clip 58 is then placed into small hole 56 in pin 51 insuring stabilizer unit 10 remains in positioned on anchor plate 48 until removal. Locking devise 21 is then retightened by turning knob 23 in a clockwise direction until end of threaded portion 22 of locking devise 21 makes substantial contact with side surface 40 of inside tube 35 where in outside tube 11 and inside tube 35 define a fixed length for stabilizer unit 10 tying camper jack strut 5 to camper 1 thus providing maximum support to camper jack 5, reducing fatigue to jack mounting 6 and increasing overall stability of camper 1 while offloaded from pick up truck or host vehicle.

While the invention here in has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than limitation and that changes including materials composition and basic component cross sectional shapes may be made within the preview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in it's broader aspects. 

1. In combination with a pick up truck type camper, an adjustable length camper jack strut stabilizing unit provides a means for structurally tying said camper jack strut to camper body thus restricting motion between said camper body and said camper jack strut, said stabilizing unit comprising an outside tube and an inside tube telescopingly fit into said outside tube where in first exposed end of said stabilizing unit is coupled to a mounting bracket on said camper jack strut and second exposed end of said stabilizing unit provides means for detachable coupling of said stabilizing unit to said camper body and wherein said telescoping stabilizing unit is provided for with a means for locking said outside tube and said inside tube for the purpose of fixing said stabilizing unit to plurality of lengths.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said detachable coupling comprises a stabilizer coupling component integral to said second exposed end of said stabilizing unit and a second component anchoring device fixed to said camper body arranged for mating with said stabilizer component geometry on said second exposed end of said stabilizing unit.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said mounting bracket pivotally joins first exposed end of said stabilizing unit to said camper jack strut allowing said second exposed end of said stabilizing unit to access said anchoring component of said detachable coupling wherein said anchoring component of said detachable coupling could be mounted at a plurality of locations on said camper body.
 4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said means for locking said outside tube to Said inside tube comprises a threaded hole in said outside tube arranged to Receive a threaded bolt portion wherein rotational motion of said threaded bolt Portion causes end of threaded bolt portion to contact with said inside tube wherein telescoping motion between said outside tube and said inside tube is substantially restricted.
 5. An adjustable length cross tying brace arranged for mechanically linking a support leg or jack stand to an adjacent structure; said cross tying brace comprising a plurality of telescopingly engaged tube sections wherein said tube sections include an outside tube, an inside tube, a means for locking said tube sections at a specific length, a means for pivotal attachment of one end of said cross tying brace to said support leg or jack stand and means for quick disconnect attachment of opposite end of said cross tying brace to said adjacent structure.
 6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said pivotal attachment of said cross tying brace provides for 180 degrees of arc movement of said cross tying brace on a vertical plane parallel to said support leg or jack stand.
 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said quick disconnect attachment of said cross tying brace to said adjacent structure comprises an anchoring plate substantially mated to said adjacent structure with said anchoring plate having a short cylindrical stud protruding there from arranged to accommodate a hole in said opposite end of said cross tying brace whereby said stud is provided for with a small hole substantially through the diameter arranged for receiving a standard retaining clip and whereby placing said hole of said cross tying brace over said pin of said anchoring plate and installing said retaining clip through said small hole in said stud quick disconnect attachment is achieved.
 8. A telescoping cross brace arranged for triangulating load forces between jack stands and adjacent structures comprises a plurality of coaxial mating adjustable length tubes provided for with clamping means for attachment to said jack stand at one end and provision for quick disconnect attachment to said adjacent structure at the opposite end. 